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The journalist Michael Hudak, a reporter for the television channel WSVN-ABC Miami, was arrested this week on charges of stealing a Rolex watch valued at $16,000 from a neighbor, and subsequently pawning it at a pawn shop in northwest Miami-Dade.
According to the police report cited by Univisión, the incident occurred in July when the victim traveled to Spain for two weeks and left a spare key to their home with Hudak's roommate, with the explicit instruction to use it only in case of emergency.
Upon returning from his trip, the owner noticed the disappearance of the Rolex Date-Just without any signs of forced entry.
When consulting with his neighbors, including Hudak himself, they all claimed to have no knowledge of the watch's whereabouts. Shortly after, the victim received a notification from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office informing him that his watch had been pawned.
The investigation led to a pawn shop, where detectives verified that the item had been delivered on August 8 by Hudak himself, who presented his Florida driver's license, signed the transaction form, left his right thumbprint, and received $7,000 in exchange.
On Thursday, August 28, the 29-year-old reporter turned himself in at the Miami Police headquarters and was charged with grand theft and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, both felonies.
After his arrest, he was taken to the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center, where he awaited the setting of his bail.
Amid the controversy, WSVN issued a statement confirming that Hudak has been suspended without pay while the legal proceedings are ongoing.
The case has generated significant media attention in South Florida, not only due to the nature of the crime but also because it involves a young reporter who was previously working at one of the major local news channels.
Frequently asked questions about the arrest of reporter Michael Hudak and similar offenses in Miami
Why was reporter Michael Hudak arrested?
The reporter Michael Hudak was arrested for stealing a Rolex watch valued at $16,000 from a neighbor and subsequently pawning it for $7,000. He was charged with grand theft and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling.
What legal actions does Michael Hudak face following his arrest in Miami?
Michael Hudak faces charges of grand theft and burglary of an unoccupied dwelling, both classified as felonies. Additionally, he has been suspended from his job at WSVN-ABC Miami without pay while the judicial process unfolds.
How was Hudak's theft of the Rolex discovered?
The theft of the Rolex was discovered after the victim received a notification from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office informing him that his watch had been pawned. The investigation led to a pawn shop where it was confirmed that Hudak had pawned the watch.
What other similar robbery incidents have occurred recently in Miami?
In Miami, there have been several recent theft incidents, including the arrest of a hospital employee for stealing a $45,000 Rolex from an elderly patient, and the case of a man who led a network of luxury vehicle thefts valued at $2 million.
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